Fairlight or Synclavier?

[drummike]

What's the best synth for composing, Synclavier or Fairlight CMI? I'd really like to re-arrange some classic Police hits and I really want the absolute best synth workstation, especially for percussion tracks like drums, tympani and xylophone, but not lute, ;-P

[jeffseitz]

[quote="drummike"]What's the best synth for composing, Synclavier or Fairlight CMI? I'd really like to re-arrange some classic Police hits and I really want the absolute best synth workstation, especially for percussion tracks like drums, tympani and xylophone, but not lute, ;-P[/quote]

drummike, Both are antique and a waste of time. I've got a nice Fairlight though if you want to buy it. . Digital Performer SC's choice, Protools, Steinberg Cubase, Logic Pro are all superior sequencers and will run on MAC or PC (can't believe I even typed PC). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_MI ... sequencers

For sounds there are vast libraries you can just midi up from your sequencer.

[drummike]

Thanks for the input, Jeff. It's kind of sad that these once-great, amazing synth workstations have fallen to the wayside. My question was partly in jest, though, in a Stewart vs. Sting kind of way. You're right, though, there are plenty of software programs available to make arranging and recording much more workable for the arranger or recording artist. In the past few years, a friend of mine who owns a recording studio here has gone from using ADATs to Mackie hard drives to Digital Performer. Actually, I'm hoping to buy a version of Sibelius in the near future, so that I can do some arranging for concert band. Spending endless hours writing out clarinet and trumpet parts can be avoided with a great program like Sibelius or Finale. Thanks again for the helpful reply.

[jeffseitz]

[quote="drummike"]Thanks for the input, Jeff. It's kind of sad that these once-great, amazing synth workstations have fallen to the wayside. My question was partly in jest, though, in a Stewart vs. Sting kind of way. You're right, though, there are plenty of software programs available to make arranging and recording much more workable for the arranger or recording artist. In the past few years, a friend of mine who owns a recording studio here has gone from using ADATs to Mackie hard drives to Digital Performer. Actually, I'm hoping to buy a version of Sibelius in the near future, so that I can do some arranging for concert band. Spending endless hours writing out clarinet and trumpet parts can be avoided with a great program like Sibelius or Finale. Thanks again for the helpful reply.[/quote]

drummike,
"Stewart vs. Sting kind of way" Back in the day they were both very powerful, the workstations lol, but both had their pluses and minuses. If someone had combined the best of both devices they would have been extremely powerful. The price of either a Fairlight or a Synclavier was so restrictive, for anyone but pop stars and high profile producers, that the struggling artist could only get use of one in a studio or production facility.
It's a non linear world in the editing and recording business now.

[sockii]

BTW, if you have an iPad you can now download a Fairlight to tinker around with!

http://fairlightinstruments.com.au/ios

[drummike]

[quote="sockii"]BTW, if you have an iPad you can now download a Fairlight to tinker around with!

http://fairlightinstruments.com.au/ios[/quote]

That's pretty incredible...thanks!